Hong Kong scientists warn steroid drug increases risk of major heart problems among rheumatoid arthritis patients

Rheumatoid arthritis patients taking more than five milligrams of a common steroid drug a day are twice as likely to suffer from major heart problems than those not prescribed the medication, a study carried out by a university in Hong Kong has found.

The Chinese University (CUHK) paper also found that if the patients continuously took more than 5mg each day of anti-inflammation treatment glucocorticoid, the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events increased by 7 per cent every month.

“We suggest doctors maintain a careful balance of risks and benefits when prescribing glucocorticoid to rheumatoid arthritis patients and to discontinue or taper to less than 4mg daily as soon as possible,” said Dr So Ho, an assistant professor at the university’s department of medicine and therapeutics, on Wednesday.

“It is known that long-term use of steroids can lead to common cardiovascular conditions, such as hypertension, high cholesterol levels and diabetes. But at the same time, it can control inflammation. That is why we did the research.”

Rheumatoid arthritis occurs when the immune system attacks the membrane lining of a person’s joints and causes inflammation, resulting in pain and swelling, as well as stiffness and loss of function in the affected areas.